Lamentations 4:5

Authorized King James Version

They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָאֹֽכְלִים֙
They that did feed
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#2
לְמַ֣עֲדַנִּ֔ים
delicately
a delicacy or (abstractly) pleasure (adverbially, cheerfully)
#3
נָשַׁ֖מּוּ
are desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#4
בַּחוּצ֑וֹת
in the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#5
הָאֱמֻנִים֙
they that were brought up
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#6
עֲלֵ֣י
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
תוֹלָ֔ע
in scarlet
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
#8
חִבְּק֖וּ
embrace
to clasp (the hands or in embrace)
#9
אַשְׁפַּתּֽוֹת׃
dunghills
a heap of rubbish or filth

Analysis

Within the broader context of Lamentations, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Lamentations.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Lamentations Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection